Hello UK Builders,

I am using a rebuilt rack and pinion steering designed for power steering. My thought was to take advantage of the power steering pump from my donor a 1993 Ford Aerostar. However, now that the car is assembled and rolling, including engine and transmission temporarily in place it does not seem to need any power steering. The ratio is quite direct (compared to my day cars' but no exceptional muscle work seems to be needed to turn the wheel.

My question (also posted in USA Locost) is this:

Can I run this system without the power steering pump and not damage what is inside the rack(which I have never seen)? If I loop the high and low presure hoses and fill the cylinder with oil will I still be able to move the steering as freely (in other words: has anyone tried this?)
Sorry to be so simple and pedestrian.
Thanks.
_________________

i remember someone telling (on a production car) if you want to not use power steering, just remove the drive belt. so yes, as far as i know its ok, just make sure its full of power steering fluid and the system still essentially works.

I'm in scotland, and i'm actually using a 1987 Aerostar as a doner (3ltr Vulcan V6), but i'm removing all the air con compressor, power steering, mechanical water pump etc (thats going electric) and just using the engine and alternator. Steering is from a cortina with manual rack...

A cheap trick to a quick rack or where one is not available off the shelf was to get a cheap second hand power rack and remove the power gubbins, pistons and seals etc.

If the ratio feels good then strip out the power steering junk, better than just draining the oil as it may stiffen up with time.

Regards Mark

all true, however bearing mind you wont pass UK mot with it like that (or so im told)

obviously you're in canada though, so no relevance there!

[Edited on 11/3/07 by JoelP]

Another choice would be to use a small electric pump to power the rack, have a root around the breakers, MR2's had them amongst others.

Hi Blakep82,
I am in Canada. This is the first time (ever) since 18 months) who is using the same donor as I. Mine is a 1993 3.0 L V6 Aerostar. I will bookmark your page. I would not mind trading tips with you. Take care.

quote:

---

Originally posted by blakep82
i remember someone telling (on a production car) if you want to not use power steering, just remove the drive belt. so yes, as far as i know its ok, just make sure its full of power steering fluid and the system still essentially works.

I'm in scotland, and i'm actually using a 1987 Aerostar as a doner (3ltr Vulcan V6), but i'm removing all the air con compressor, power steering, mechanical water pump etc (thats going electric) and just using the engine and alternator. Steering is from a cortina with manual rack...

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Philippe
Hi Blakep82,
I am in Canada. This is the first time (ever) since 18 months) who is using the same donor as I. Mine is a 1993 3.0 L V6 Aerostar. I will bookmark your page. I would not mind trading tips with you. Take care.

quote:

---

Originally posted by blakep82
i remember someone telling (on a production car) if you want to not use power steering, just remove the drive belt. so yes, as far as i know its ok, just make sure its full of power steering fluid and the system still essentially works.

I'm in scotland, and i'm actually using a 1987 Aerostar as a doner (3ltr Vulcan V6), but i'm removing all the air con compressor, power steering, mechanical water pump etc (thats going electric) and just using the engine and alternator. Steering is from a cortina with manual rack...

---

---

Reply: yes I am going to run this mill as stock, after rebuilding it (hopefully by myself). This does not rule out that I may have to puchase some ECU components. I drove the van before dismanteling it and it ran "old" but OK. Converting the Vulcan from EFI to conventional carb would be complicated (IMO) , as setting up a mechanical means of regulating advance...and potentially pricy. Here in Canada, for street use, the resulting vehicle would be considered too polluting. If I were you I would try to find a second hand Vulcan ECU. A van about to be driven to a scap yard but still running might be a candidate. Also remember that the Vulcan was the most common engine on many other Ford cars and trucks.

..........Quote:
i kept the engine running even thought the body was rotten and now its in the garage waiting to go in the pickup (should be in the next few weeks!).
are you keeping with the injection system? all the electronics blew in mine a few years back and the fuel rails etc are rusted, not sure the injectors would be up to it either... I got a carb from a 3 ltr Ford Capri which i plan to use, but never been able to find anyone whos ever done this

all the best mate!

Blake

[Edited on 11/3/07 by blakep82]

Vulcans are rarer than hens teeth here, especially in Scotland. The only thing that might use one is the ford ranger, but i don't know if they use the same engine here.

the electronics are the same as Scorpios (EEC IV) but its the fuel rails, regulators etc i'm not sure about. I think with a new inlet manifold it should be good, and I'm sure the distributor can be modified